Eat Armenia
History of Armenia
Armenia boasts one of the oldest continuous civilizations in the world, with its history stretching back to the Bronze Age. Located at a crossroads of empires, Armenia has been shaped by a complex tapestry of influences, from the Urartians and Persians to the Romans and Byzantines. A pivotal moment arrived in the early 4th century AD when Armenia became the first nation to officially adopt Christianity as its state religion, a profound declaration of identity that would endure through millennia of upheaval. This strong religious and cultural foundation provided a bedrock of unity, even as the region was frequently contested and divided by larger powers, leading to periods of both independence and subjugation.
Throughout the medieval period, the Armenian Kingdom experienced both flourishing and decline. Dynasties like the Bagratids established powerful states, fostering advancements in art, architecture, and literature. However, the constant threat of invasions from Seljuk Turks, Mongols, and later the Ottoman and Safavid empires took a heavy toll. Many Armenians were forced to migrate, establishing vibrant diaspora communities across the globe, yet they consistently worked to preserve their language, faith, and national identity. This resilience in the face of adversity became a defining characteristic of the Armenian people.
The modern history of Armenia is marked by its struggle for self-determination in the face of regional powers and the devastating Armenian Genocide during the Ottoman era in the early 20th century. Following this tragedy, Armenia briefly experienced independence before becoming part of the Soviet Union for much of the 20th century. Upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, Armenia re-established its sovereignty, navigating the challenges of nation-building, economic transition, and ongoing territorial disputes. Today, Armenia continues to honor its rich heritage while striving for a secure and prosperous future.
General Information
Capital City
Yerevan
Capital's Population: 1,065,800
Continents
Asia
Region
Asia
Subregion
Western Asia
Borders
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Turkey
Area Size
29,743.0 km²
0.39% of Australia's size
Population
3,076,200
0.11 times Australia's population
Decreasing by 0.03%
Density
103.43 people per sqkm
Australia is 3.58 people per sqkm
Languages
Armenian
Average Max and Min
Here are the best estimates for average maximum and minimum temperatures in Armenia for summer and winter, in Celsius: **Summer:** * **Max:** 28°C * **Min:** 15°C **Winter:** * **Max:** 5°C * **Min:** -5°C
Finance and other
Currency and Symbol
AMD (Armenian dram, ֏)
Currency vs $100 AUD
֏25,509.22 (AMD)
Time Zones and at 6pm Melb time
Developed/Transitional/Developing
Transitional
Communications
Country Code
AM
Internet Symbol
.am
International Phone Prefix
+3
Other stuff
Part of the Commonwealth
No
Drive on what side?
Right
Political System
Nikol Pashinyan is the current leader of Armenia. Armenia utilizes a semi-presidential republic system, where the President is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government, with the latter holding most executive power.
Major Religon
The major religion in Armenia is **Christianity**, specifically **Armenian Apostolic Christianity**. The Armenian Apostolic Church is one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world and is deeply intertwined with the identity and history of Armenia. It is the state religion of Armenia and is followed by the vast majority of the population.
Big Mac Cost
Yes, the price of a Big Mac in Armenia is $5.61 AUD.
Famous Person
The most famous sporting personality in Armenia is undoubtedly **Henrikh Mkhitaryan**. He's a highly accomplished and globally recognized footballer who has achieved significant success at both club and international levels. His career has taken him through some of the most prestigious leagues in Europe, including playing for: * **Borussia Dortmund** (Germany) * **Manchester United** (England) * **Arsenal** (England) * **AS Roma** (Italy) * He is currently playing for **Inter Milan** (Italy) Mkhitaryan has also been a star player and captain for the Armenian national team for many years, making him a national hero and a household name in Armenia. His achievements, dedication, and the global visibility of his sport make him the most prominent sporting figure from the country.
Famous Landmark
The most famous landmark in Armenia is overwhelmingly considered to be **Khor Virap Monastery**. Here's why: * **Iconic Location:** It's dramatically situated at the foothills of Mount Ararat, the biblical mountain which is a powerful national symbol for Armenians. The view of the monastery with Ararat in the background is instantly recognizable and deeply ingrained in the Armenian consciousness and international perception of Armenia. * **Religious Significance:** Khor Virap is a site of immense religious importance. It's where Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who converted Armenia to Christianity in the early 4th century, was imprisoned for 13 years. This history makes it a pilgrimage site for many Armenians and a crucial location in the story of Christianity's spread. * **Historical Importance:** Its history is tied to the very foundation of Christianity as the state religion of Armenia, a distinction Armenia holds as the first nation to do so. * **Visual Appeal:** The monastery itself is beautiful, with its distinctive architecture and its strategic location on a hill. While Armenia has many other historically and culturally significant sites (like the Geghard Monastery, Tatev Monastery, and the Matenadaran), Khor Virap stands out due to its unique combination of religious, historical, and symbolic importance, all amplified by its breathtaking setting with Mount Ararat.
Statistics
Total Countries: 195
Countries Eaten: 25
Countries Still to Eat: 170
Percentage Done: 12.8%